Addiction Doesn't Look Like What You Think

Kira looked like the “good kid.” 3.8 GPA. Band. Job. Involved in everything. Behind the scenes, she was self-harming at 12, drinking at 12, snorting ketamine in the school bathroom, selling alcohol through her locker, and attempting suicide multiple times. At 18, she shaved her head, stopped showering, lived with strangers, and drove 12 hours to Georgia to move in with a man she met online… before barely escaping. Her true rock bottom? A little kid knocking on a drug dealer’s bedroom door asking for his dad. That moment changed everything. Today, Kira is 6+ years clean and sober, graduated from Michigan State, worked in Child Protective Services, and is now pursuing her Master’s in Social Work. This episode is about addiction that doesn’t look “broken,” mental health, grooming, suicide attempts, recovery at 18, and how contentment—not happiness—is the real goal. If you’re struggling, there is hope. Stay. Want the full story? Uncensored, raw-cut interviews are waiting on Rise Above’s Patreon: https://patreon.com/RiseAbovewithKevi... #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #SobrietyJourney #SuicidePrevention #YoungPeopleInRecovery #KetamineAbuse #RecoveryStory #AARecovery 00:00 Growing Up in Michigan 03:36 Family Dynamics & Parental Relationships 07:47 Early Anxiety, Self-Harm & Mental Health 13:01 Starting to Use Substances & Online Dangers 16:16 High School, Parties & Double Life 21:00 Getting Caught & Major Consequences 27:00 Aftermath: Moving, Guilt, & Escalating Use 30:02 Suicide Attempts & Hospitalization 36:56 Outpatient Treatment & the Struggle to Get Sober 41:48 Inpatient Rehab & Setbacks 44:04 Moving Out, Hitting New Lows 47:03 Final Triggers & Turning Point 53:33 Attempt to Flee & Immediate Crisis 57:02 Seeking Recovery after Rock Bottom 01:00:31 Early Recovery & Honest Changes 01:04:01 Tools for Staying Sober: Meetings, School & Routine 01:09:09 College Sobriety: Resources & New Community 01:15:01 Life After Graduation, Working in Child Protective Services 01:20:05 Giving Back, Self-Discovery & Moving Forward 01:22:02 Advice to My Younger Self & Closing Thoughts ✅ Stay Connected To Us. 👉Instagram:   / riseabovewithkevin   👉 TikTok:   / rawithk   👉 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/riseabovewithk ✅ For Business Inquiries: [email protected] ================================ ✅ About Rise Above with Kevin Lanning: Rise Above: Stories of Resilience with Kevin Lanning Welcome to Rise Above with Kevin Lanning, where resilience finds its voice. Join Kevin Lanning, a former Google Executive in sobriety, as he brings you powerful stories of individuals who have navigated life's greatest challenges and emerged victorious. About Kevin: Kevin Lanning personifies resilience. From overcoming addiction to conquering childhood trauma, his journey mirrors the triumph of the human spirit. Now, he's dedicated to sharing stories that uplift, educate, and ignite the spark within you. Join us on this journey to rise above adversity and thrive. For Collaboration and Business inquiries, please use the contact information below: 📩 Email: [email protected] 🔔 Hit that subscribe button for more exclusive, insightful, and inspiring videos: https://www.youtube.com/@Riseabovepod... ================================= #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #corecore #motivation #addictionrecovery #inspiration #selflove #selfhelp #loveyourself Disclaimer: We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred by you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of our publications. You acknowledge that you use the information we provide at your own risk. Do your research. Copyright Notice: This video and our YouTube channel contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Rise Above with Kevin Lanning. You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to our YouTube channel is provided. © Rise Above with Kevin Lanning